Neumann University, located in Aston, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since its founding in 1965 as Our Lady of Angels College, the institution has evolved into a dynamic university with a vibrant alumni community.

The Neumann University Alumni Association plays a pivotal role in fostering and maintaining a loyal and active relationship between the university and its alumni as it continues to serve alumni through networking, involvement, and institutional advancement activities. The Alumni Executive Board (AEB), led by newly elected President Sharon Gebhardt-Williams ’91, invites alumni to explore various ways to contribute their time, talents, and resources to the University community.

Neumann University proudly celebrates alumni whose lives reflect the values of their Catholic Franciscan education. Guided by Neumann University’s RISES values, and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, they are shaping communities, inspiring innovation, and transforming our world with purpose and faith.

Central to Neumann’s mission is the Franciscan tradition, emphasizing service, compassion, and community. This ethos has inspired alumni to pursue careers that embody these values. Over the years, alumni have been recognized for their outstanding service and leadership through various awards including:

The President’s Distinguished Alumni Award: Honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to society.

Alumni Association John Neumann Award: Honors alumni for their outstanding contributions to the university and community.

Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year Award: Honors alumni who have shown exceptional volunteer service to the university.

Alumni Association Recognition Award: Honors alumni for their significant contributions to their professions and communities.

Young Alumni Achievement Award: Honors a young alumnus/a (less than 40 years old by January 1st in the year of the award year) in recognition for outstanding achievement in their profession while upholding the mission and values of Neumann University.

Spirit of Francis and Clare Alumni Award: Honors an alumnus whose demonstrated commitment to the Catholic Franciscan tradition and values has led him/her to develop an initiative that makes a significant impact in one or more of the following areas: 

Support of people who are poor or under-served, advancement of understanding and support for the environment, promotion of peacemaking and development of intercultural understanding

Honorary Alumni: Honors a non-alumnus/a whose past, present and potential impact on the Neumann University community qualifies them for alumni status. The honoree's professional, personal, civic, and philanthropic pursuits reflect the high standards and Franciscan values associated with Neumann University, the Neumann University Alumni Association, and higher education.

Distinguished Alumni Awards by School: Distinguished Alumni Awards are chosen by the dean of each respective school and presented to a graduate whose career is characterized by continuous and exemplary contributions to society through research, practice, education, or service. The recipient must be an individual who brings enduring honor to Neumann University and to the community and exemplifies the core values of the University.

Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Award: Honors alumni and teams who have distinguished themselves in intercollegiate athletics while at Neumann University.

Today, Neumann University boasts over 17,000 alumni worldwide. The Alumni Association offers numerous opportunities for graduates to stay connected, including mentorship programs, volunteering, and events like Homecoming and Charter Day. These initiatives not only strengthen the Neumann community but also provide avenues for alumni to give back and support current students. As part of the 2025 Charter Day celebration, the university pledged to complete 60,000 hours of service to communities, inviting alumni, faculty, staff and students to participate in this initiative.

Neumann University’s RISES values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship play a significant role in shaping the experiences and post-graduation paths of its alumni. These values align with the mission of the University, which emphasizes the development of individuals who are committed to ethical leadership, community engagement, and service to others. Gebhardt-Williams states, “as a proud graduate of our excellent university, I carry with me the RISES values and life lessons that Neumann has instilled in all of us. My time at Neumann shaped my professional path and my commitment to service and community.” Here’s how the RISES values continue to impact alumni:

1. Respect: Alumni are equipped with a deep sense of respect for diversity and inclusivity, which shapes their ability to work effectively in diverse environments. This value fosters empathy and compassion, guiding alumni in both their professional and personal lives.
2. Integrity: Neumann’s commitment to integrity ensures that alumni maintain strong ethical standards throughout their careers. This foundation enables them to build trust and credibility in their respective fields, leading to positive reputations and long-term professional success.
3. Service: The emphasis on service instills in alumni a desire to contribute to the well-being of others, whether through direct community engagement or in their careers. This value influences alumni to take on roles that positively impact society, fostering a sense of social responsibility and volunteerism.
4. Excellence: Neumann alumni are driven by the pursuit of excellence in their work. They often go on to be leaders in their industries, setting high standards for themselves and those around them. This value ensures that graduates not only excel in their professional lives but also make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
5. Stewardship: Alumni are taught to be responsible stewards of resources, both personally and professionally. This sense of stewardship often extends to sustainable business practices, financial responsibility, and the management of human and environmental resources.

The RISES values instilled during their education empower Neumann University alumni to make ethical decisions, serve others, and contribute positively to their communities and careers. These values create a lasting impact, shaping alumni into leaders who prioritize social responsibility and lifelong learning rooted in the belief that knowledge is a gift to be shared in the service of others and that learning is a lifelong process.